ROME: Mario Balotelli has been banned for three matches for using “intimidating and insulting” words to referee Luca Banti after Milan’s 2-1 weekend defeat by Napoli. The Italy forward was sent off at the final whistle after a clash with Napoli’s Valon Behrami.

Earlier he had missed a spotkick for the first time in his career, hit the bar and scored a late Milan goal in stoppage time. Napoli keeper Pepe Reina saved the 22nd spotkick of Balotelli’s career.

The 23-year-old will miss Serie A games against Bologna, Sampdoria and champions Juventus.

Milan suffered a further disciplonary rebuke on being ordered to shut the

Curva Sud stand for the next home game against Sampdoria as punishment for racist chanting by supporters during the Napoli defeat.

Milan have taken only four points from their first four matches.

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